Maui A to Z: Vodka

While I’m not a frequent vodka connoisseur, we have certain long term guests who really enjoy a good screwdriver or vodka tonic. I’m one that would usually grab the mid-range bottle of whatever is convenient, but when my favorite hair stylist told me her husband is the Master Distiller at Pau Maui Vodka, obtaining a bottle moved to the top of my to-do list.

Pau Maui Vodka is made with pineapple, not potato, and is a spirit that even my friends with extreme allergies can usually tolerate. No, it doesn’t actually taste like pineapple, but it is a delightful vodka, by far the best made on Maui. My resident vodka tonic aficionados have never complained.

Pau (pronounced pow) is a word meaning ‘finished’ or ‘done’ in Hawaii. It’s a treasured word here because it’s usually combined with the word ‘hana‘ (hah-nah). Together, pau hana signifies that wonderful time of day when work is finished. If you’re invited to a pau hana party for pupus (poo-poos), you’re in for a treat. Show up at the designated location after work and expect a beer and some heavy appetizers.

If you’re extra lucky, you might get a bit of Pau Maui Vodka for pau hana!